Curling iron

ABSTRACT

A hair curling iron for curling, styling or making wavy hair can include a handle and a barrel portion. The barrel portion can have various shapes, such as a conical, cone, or corrugated shape. The surface of the barrel portion can be textured. Features or protrusions can be integrally formed as part or within the surface of the barrel. The features can be diamond-shaped dimples. The barrel portion can also include different sections configured to be heated to different temperatures.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/612,869, filed on Mar. 19, 2012, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Some of the present embodiments disclosed herein relate to hair styling curling irons, for example, a rod for curling hair.

2. Description of the Related Art

A variety of apparatuses or curling irons are available for treating, drying and styling hair, such as, curling irons, curlers, flat irons, hair straighteners, and blow dryers. Many of these curling irons function by incorporating an internal or external heating source to heat a surface or surfaces of the curling iron that contacts the hair to curl, treat, dry or style it. Other curling irons, such as blow dryers, heat and blow a stream of air onto the hair.

SUMMARY

An aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein is a curling iron that has a handle and a barrel portion. In some embodiments the barrel portion includes a first and second end. The second end is connected to the handle and the barrel portion can be heated and have a textured surface. The curling iron further includes a heating circuit that can heat the barrel portion.

In certain embodiments, the barrel portion can have a conical shape having a diameter at the second end smaller than a diameter at the first end such that the barrel portion gradually tapers down in diameter from the first end to the second end.

In other embodiments, the textured surface can include a plurality of integrally formed protrusions. In some embodiments the integrally formed protrusions are diamond-shaped dimples. In other embodiments, the diamond-shaped dimples are raised from a smooth portion of the surface of the barrel portion by a height of ¼ mm, have a dimension of 3 mm in a longitudinal direction that extends between the first end and second end and a dimension of 4 mm in a direction that extends transverse to the longitudinal direction.

In certain implementations, the barrel portion includes a first and second section. The first section extends from the second end to a first location between the second end and first end. The second section extends between the first end and a second location between the first end and second end, such that the first section can be heated to a higher temperature than the second section.

In some embodiments, the barrel portion can have a conical shape having a diameter at the first end smaller than a diameter at the second end such that the barrel portion gradually tapers down in diameter from the second end to the first end.

In other embodiments, the textured surface can include a plurality of integrally formed protrusions. In some embodiments the integrally formed protrusions are diamond-shaped dimples.

In certain implementations the barrel portion can include at least a first and second section with the first section extending from the second end to a first location between the second end and first end and the second section extending between the first end and a second location between the first end and second end. The first section is configured to be heated to a lower temperature than the second section.

In some embodiments, the diamond-shaped dimples are sized such that hair can be rolled around and maintained on the barrel portion without a separate clamping mechanism.

In other embodiments the barrel portion has a corrugated or sinusoidal shape. The textured surface can have a plurality of integrally formed protrusions. In some embodiments, the integrally formed protrusions are diamond-shaped dimples.

In some embodiments the barrel portion further includes at least a first and second section, the first section extending from the second end to a first location between the second end and first end and the second section extending between the first end and a second location between the first end and second end. The first section is configured to be heated to a different temperature than the second section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features of the hair styling apparatus disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings of certain embodiments. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit the disclosure. The drawings contain the following Figures:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a hair curling iron.

FIG. 2 is a side view of another embodiment of a hair curling iron.

FIG. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of a hair curling iron.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

The various embodiments of a curling iron for curling, styling or making wavy hair, is disclosed in the context of a curling iron. However, at least some of the present inventions can be used in many other contexts as well, including, for example animal fur, wigs, or in the arts and crafts context.

A variety of examples of a curling iron, as well as systems and methods thereof, are described below to illustrate various examples that may be employed to achieve the desired improvements. These examples are only illustrative and not intended in any way to restrict the inventions presented and the various aspects and features of these inventions. For example, although embodiments and examples are provided herein in the hair styling field, the inventions are not confined exclusively to the hair styling field and can be used in other fields. Furthermore, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. No feature, structure, or step disclosed herein is essential or indispensible. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments can be made and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

With reference to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a curling iron, rod or barrel is illustrated. In some embodiments, the 2 can include a handle 4 for the user to hold while curling their hair and a barrel, iron or rod 6 that extends coaxially from the handle 4. In some embodiments, the barrel 6 has a constant diameter over its length.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the barrel 6 has a tapered or conical shape with a diameter at a front end 16 of the barrel that is larger than a diameter of the barrel at a rear end 18 of the barrel. The barrel 6 can gradually taper down in diameter from the front end 16 to the rear end 18 of the barrel 6 to form the conical or cone shaped barrel. The rear end 18 of the barrel 6 is attached to the handle 4. In some embodiments, the barrel 6 can be detachably removed from the handle 4. In different embodiments, the diameter of the barrel 6 can vary. For example, the diameter of the barrel 6 can be ½ inch, 1 inch, 1.5 inches, values in between or otherwise. The barrel 6 can include an end cap (not shown) attached to the front end 16.

In some embodiments, a surface of the barrel 6 can include, be formed with or incorporate features 14. These features 14 can include a plurality of protrusions, projections, dimples, grooves, teeth, bristles, spines, ribs or pins. In certain embodiments, the barrel 6 can have separate features that project or extend outward from the surface. The features are separate from the surface of the barrel 6.

In other embodiments, the surface of the barrel 6 can be formed with these features 14. As shown in FIG. 1, these features 14 and the surface of the barrel are continuous. The features 14 are integrally formed as a part of the surface of the barrel 6. In some embodiments, the surface of the barrel 6 can be integrally formed with raised protrusions, such as diamond-shaped dimples as illustrated in FIG. 1. The integrally-formed dimples provide the barrel 6 a surface with texture. These dimples can be raised above the smooth portions of the surface of the barrel 6 by a height of ¼ mm. The dimples may have a dimension along the length of the barrel of 3 mm. The dimples may have a dimension in a direction transverse to the length of the barrel of 4 mm. Different lengths, dimensions and heights can be used for the dimples. In some embodiments, grooves or spaces are provided or formed in the surface of the barrel between the dimples.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the 2 can be connected to a power cord 8 that extends out from a rear end 10 of the handle 4. In other embodiments, the power cord can extend out from different locations along the handle 4. The power cord 8 is configured to provide electrical power to the 2 to heat the barrel 6 when the cord plug 12 is plugged or inserted into an outlet. Other types of power sources can also be used with the 2 such as batteries or solar charging cells (not shown). A battery power source can increase the portability of the 2 by removing the need for a cord and outlet in order to power the curling iron. In some embodiments, the 2 can have two modes of power such as batteries and a power cord.

In some embodiments, the power is used to heat the surface of the barrel 6 directly or indirectly. A user can then curl or style their hair around the heated barrel 6 portion of the iron 2. The barrel or surfaces of the barrel are configured to be heated via a heating circuit or circuits connected to the power source (described in more detail below).

In some embodiments, the 2 can include a tab, button, knob or switch 20 located on either the first or second arm to turn the curling iron 2 on and off. As illustrated, a user can push or slide the switch 20 or tab to a first position to turn the iron 2 on or to a second position to turn the iron off. Indicators can depict “on” and “off” to show a user which direction or position to slide the tab or button to turn the iron 2 on or off. In other embodiments, a button can be used to power on or off the iron 2. For example, a user can simply press a button once to turn the 2 on and press it again to turn it off. Additionally, an indicator such as a light source 24 can be positioned on the handle 4 and connected to the switch 20 so as to indicate whether the iron is on or off. For example, the light source 24 can emit light when a user has turned or powered on the 2. The light source 24, in some embodiments, can also indicate a specific temperature setting as discussed below.

In other embodiments, the curling iron 2 can include another switch, tab, button or knob (not shown) configured to allow a user to switch or select different temperature settings at which the barrel or surface of the barrel 6 can be heated to. In some embodiments, the surface can be heated to at least two different temperatures.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1, different sections or portions of the barrel 6 or surface of the barrel 6 can be heated to different temperatures. In some embodiments, there are at least two sections of the barrel 6 that can be heated to two different temperatures. As illustrated in FIG. 1, in other embodiments, there are three different or distinct sections 22, 26, 28 of the barrel 6 positioned between the rear 18 and front 16 end of the barrel 6. Section 22 can extend a length X along a portion of the barrel 6, section 26 a length Y, and section 28 a length Z. Distances, X, Y and Z can be varied to the desired proportions and lengths. In some embodiments, section 22 can have the highest temperature relative to sections 26 and 28. Section 26 can be heated to a temperature between the temperatures of sections 22 and 28. Section 28 can be heated to the lowest temperature relative to sections 22 and 26. In some embodiments, the diameters of the different sections of the barrel 6 can be inversely proportional to the temperatures they can be heated to such that smaller diameter sections are heated to relatively higher temperatures than larger diameter sections. However, this can also be the opposite in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the temperatures of the various diameter sections can be selectively varied.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, other embodiments of a curling iron are provided. These embodiments can contain many identical, corresponding and/or different elements or features that function similarly as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. The embodiments of FIGS. 2-3 can be provided with elements with identifying numbers or characters that correspond to the same features in FIG. 1.

In the embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 2, the curling iron 32 is provided with a handle 34, rear end 40 of the handle, power switch 50, light source 54 and barrel 36. The barrel 36 can be provided with a front end 46 and rear end 48 and end cap 60. The curling iron 32 can have a power cord 38 and plug 42 to provide power to the curling iron 32.

In some embodiments, as in FIG. 2, the barrel 36 can have separate sections 52, 56, 58 such that the different sections can be heated to different temperatures. In the embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 2, the rear end 48 has a larger diameter than the front end 46. The barrel 36 tapers down gradually in diameter from the rear end 48 to the front end 46 to form a conical or cone shaped barrel 36. In some embodiments the barrel 36 tapers down in a diameter to the smallest diameter possible, such as a point, at the front end 46. The separate sections 52, 56, and 58 can also be heated to different temperatures. In some embodiments, the highest temperature section corresponds to the smallest diameter 58. However, in some embodiments the opposite can be provided.

In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the features 44 integrally formed within the surface of the barrel 36 such as diamond shaped dimples, will be provided with a height larger than the embodiment in FIG. 1. For example, the height of the features extending out from the barrel 36 can be 1 mm and/or 75% larger than the dimples provided in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. However, many other dimensions, heights and lengths can be provided in different embodiments. Grooves or spaced are provided or formed between the dimples or features.

In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the curling iron 62 can be provided with a handle 64, power cord 68, plug 72, power switch 80, light source 84 and handle rear end 70. The curling iron can also be provided with a barrel 66 with a front end 76 and rear end 78 and features 74 integrally formed into the surface of the barrel 6. The barrel 76 can be configured to have a corrugated or sinusoidal shape. For example, the barrel 6 can have sections that alternate between larger and smaller diameters or have “hills” 94 and “valleys” 96. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the barrel 66 can be provided with different sections 82, 86, 88, 90 and 92 wherein sections 82, 88 and 92 have equivalent diameters and 86 and 90 have smaller equivalent diameters. The temperatures of the sections of the barrel 66 can be the same and/or different.

In some embodiments a heating circuit (not shown) can be provided with the curling iron 2, 32, or 62. The heating circuit can include a power source providing electrical power to at least one heat source positioned within the barrel to heat the barrel or surface of the barrel of the curling iron. The heating circuit can also include a switch allowing a user to turn the power on and off. The heat sources or sources can be any type of commercially available heat source that can be electrically connected to a power source. Examples include resistors, thermistors, variable resistors, or potentiometers. In certain embodiments, more than one resistor or heat source can be connected to the circuit such that different temperature settings can be realized or selected. In certain embodiments, a potentiometer or variable resistor can be used allowing a user to vary the resistance level and thus the temperature of the heat source. Various heating circuit layouts can be used with switches, thermostats, and heat sources in parallel and/or in series such that the curling iron 2 allows a user to select different temperatures to heat the section or sections of the barrel or surface of the barrel of the curling iron 2. In some embodiments, a single heat source can be used to heat the barrel or surface of the barrel and/or different sections. In other embodiments, more than one heat source can be used or connected to the circuit. In some embodiments, one heating circuit is used to activate a heat source or sources to heat the barrel or surface of the barrel and/or sections of the curling iron for each respective temperature setting. In other embodiments, more than one heating circuit is used to activate a heat source or sources to heat the barrel for each respective temperature setting.

One embodiment of a method of curling or styling hair using the curling iron 2, 32, or 62 includes rotating the heated barrel through or around a user's hair. The integrated features in the surface of the barrel can provide a textured surface of the barrel and assist in keeping a user's hair wrapped or rolled around the iron 2. In some embodiments, a hair styling or heating oil, gel, or liquid can be used in conjunction with the curling iron 2 in order to facilitate the styling of a user's hair. This oil can be applied to the surface of the curling iron 2 or to the user's hair directly prior to using the curling iron.

It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the hair straightening curling iron. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A curling iron comprising: a handle; a barrel portion having a first and second end, the second end being connected to the handle, the barrel portion configured to be heated and having a textured surface; and a heating circuit configured to heat the barrel portion.
 2. The curling iron of claim 1, wherein the barrel portion further comprises a conical shape having a diameter at the second end smaller than a diameter at the first end such that the barrel portion gradually tapers down in diameter from the first end to the second end.
 3. The curling iron of claim 2, wherein the textured surface further comprises a plurality of integrally formed protrusions.
 4. The curling iron of claim 3, wherein the integrally formed protrusions are diamond-shaped dimples.
 5. The curling iron of claim 4, wherein the diamond-shaped dimples are raised from a smooth portion of the surface of the barrel portion a height of ¼ mm and have a dimension of 3 mm in a longitudinal direction that extends between the first end and second end and a dimension of 4 mm in a direction that extends transverse to the longitudinal direction.
 6. The curling iron of claim 2, wherein the barrel portion further comprises at least a first and second section, the first section extending from the second end to a first location between the second end and first end, the second section extending between the first end and a second location between the first end and second end, such that the first section is configured to be heated to a higher temperature than the second section.
 7. The curling iron of claim 1, wherein the barrel portion further comprises a conical shape having a diameter at the first end smaller than a diameter at the second end such that the barrel portion gradually tapers down in diameter from the second end to the first end.
 8. The curling iron of claim 7, wherein the textured surface further comprises a plurality of integrally formed protrusions.
 9. The curling iron of claim 8, wherein the integrally formed protrusions are diamond-shaped dimples.
 10. The curling iron of claim 7, wherein the barrel portion further comprises at least a first and second section, the first section extending from the second end to a first location between the second end and first end, the second section extending between the first end and a second location between the first end and second end, such that the first section is configured to be heated to a lower temperature than the second section.
 11. The curling iron of claim 9, wherein the diamond-shaped dimples are sized such that hair can be rolled around and maintained on the barrel portion without a separate clamping mechanism.
 12. The curling iron of claim 1, wherein the barrel portion has a corrugated or sinusoidal shape.
 13. The curling iron of claim 12, wherein the textured surface further comprises a plurality of integrally formed protrusions.
 14. The curling iron of claim 13, wherein the integrally formed protrusions are diamond-shaped dimples.
 15. The curling iron of claim 12, wherein the barrel portion further comprises at least a first and second section, the first section extending from the second end to a first location between the second end and first end, the second section extending between the first end and a second location between the first end and second end, such that the first section is configured to be heated to a different temperature than the second section.
 16. The curling iron of claim 1, wherein the heating circuit comprises a heat source disposed within the barrel. 